Artie Samuel McDowell Jr.

Artie Samuel McDowell, Jr. was born in Montgomery, AL on May 5, 1929, to Artie. S. McDowell, Sr. and Metta Frost. The family moved to Memphis, TN where he graduated from Central High School. He attended the University of Alabama for one year before transferring to Memphis State University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science in 1951. Artie joined the United States Air Force in 1952 through the Aviation Cadet Program. During the Korean Conflict, he flew T-6's as part of the 6147th Tactical Control Squadron nicknamed Mosquitoes. From the T-6, he transitioned into the F-86, from the F-86, he transitioned to the F-100. Major McDowell was eventually stationed at Cannon Air Force Base where he met the love of his life, Susan A. Stanfield. They were married on July 30, 1966. In 1967, Major McDowell received orders to Vietnam. While serving in Vietnam at Tuy Hoa, he flew 231 combat sorties during the day and night against important military targets. After his tour in Vietnam, Major McDowell returned to Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, AZ. Major McDowell retired from the USAF in 1972. In the summer of 1975, the McDowell family moved to Clovis, NM. Artie attended Eastern New Mexico University and obtained his Masters in Education. He began teaching the Second Grade at James Bickley Elementary School where he was the only male teaching the primary grades in the Clovis Municipal Schools. He retired after fifteen years with the Clovis Municipal Schools. In 1982, he started Seminary classes through Saint James Episcopal Church under the direction of Father Joe Fasel. He was ordained a Deacon in the Episcopal Church in 1983 and was eventually ordained a Priest in 1990. During his ministry, he served Churches in Fort Sumner, Portales, Tucumcari and Clovis through 2007.
Artie and Sue were members of the Wally Bynum Caravan Club International. They traveled in their Airstream starting as early as 1978 with their children. They have been from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico to Alaska and Key West, FL to Newfoundland, Canada. They have visited 49 of the 50 States in the United States in their Airstream. They continued to travel through the spring of 2017.
Artie and Sue Celebrated their 5oth Wedding Anniversary at Wheatfield's on July 30, 2016. Artie celebrated his 88th birthday on May 5, 2017.
Artie is survived by: Sue, of the home, his two sons; David and his wife Carol of Portales with their two children; Abby and Brittney, and Sam and his wife Codie of Clovis with their son; Derek.
A Memorial Service will be held at Saint James Episcopal Church on June 10, 2017 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to either the general fund of St. James Episcopal Church or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Muffley Funeral Home and High Plains Crematory, 575-762-4435, www.muffleyfuneralhome.com.